August 30, 2013On August 25, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, officiated at the ordination of the Rev. Fr. Ghevond Ajamian at the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX, in the presence of the community, family, and guests from around the country. The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan was the sponsoring priest, and two of the candidate’s uncles, Ara and Vartan Ajamian, served as godfathers. The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Rev. Fr. Nersess Jebejian, Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, and Rev. Fr. Mikael Devejian assisted in the ordination.

It was a momentous occasion for the Armenian community in North Texas, involving months of preparation. The former Deacon Justin Ajamian arrived in the community more than two years ago to assume duties as the deacon-in-charge of the St. Sarkis Church. Since that time, the prospect of a priestly ordination in the community has been greatly anticipated.

The sense of excitement in the parish was noted by Archbishop Barsamian, who said in his remarks: “I feel the inspiration in this community. And with such inspiration, what at first seems impossible becomes possible.”

Fr. Ghevond Ajamian will spend his 40-day period of seclusion at St. Nersess Seminary in New Rochelle, NY, after which he will return to take up pastoral duties at the Dallas church. A graduate of St. Nersess, who has also studied in Jerusalem and Armenia, Fr. Ghevond and his wife Yeretzgin Hasmik have a daughter, Noelle Srbouhi.

August 29, 2013by Seminarian Eric VozzyI arrived in Jerusalem on June 1st and stayed in the Armenian Monastery of Saints James for nearly three months until August 20th. I began my trip properly by praying on Mt. Zion before the relic of St. James the Apostle located in the Armenian Cathedral of Sts. James, and thereafter began my daily Armenian language classes with my teacher Anoush Nakashian. Besides learning and speaking Armenian with my personal mentor, I interacted with local Armenian residents and seminarians and participated in various Badaraks, Morning and Evening Services, and Tapor located at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I was also privileged to witness the enthronement of the newly elected Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Nourhan Manougian. After a summer that passed very quickly, I am eager to resume my studies at St. Nersess this fall with my improved Armenian.

"A celebration such as we are enjoying today could only take place at St. Nersess Seminary," said Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Dean of the Seminary at the conclusion of last Sunday's Commencement ceremonies.Indeed, eighty clergy, alumni, benefactors, family and friends flocked to the Seminary to celebrate the achievements, faith and vocation of Deacon Mkrtich Ksachikyan, who completed his seminary studies in preparation for ordination to the priesthood. The twenty-six year old graduate was born in Armenia but grew up in the United States, graduating from U.C.L.A. He was a student of the Western Diocese.His Eminence Abp. Yeghishé Gizirian, Past Primate of the Armenian Diocese of England and resident Spiritual Father of the Seminary, presided over the prayer service and commencement exercises. The graduate's parents, Hovhannes and Alysa Ksachikyan, and his brother Sarkis, travelled from Los Angeles to be present for the celebration.

Archbishop Yeghishé Gizirian flanked by the graduate, his family and Seminary faculty

Deacon Mkrtich Ksachikyan was graduated from the Seminary during Commencement ceremonies on May 22.

Deacon Mkrtich has grown from a quiet and reserved young man into a confident disciple of Jesus Christ, who has become a role model and big brother to his classmates," said Fr. Findikyan in his remarks in Armenian. "He will be a dedicated, compassionate and effective servant of our Lord and our Holy Church."Third-year seminarian Levon Asdourian served as salutatorian, speaking on behalf of the remaining students. With emotion, he reflected on how the graduate was an inspiration to him and his classmates.

Also speaking were Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Past Seminary Dean and currently Dean of St. Vartan Cathedral; and Steven Mekenian, Treasurer of the Board of Directors.Closing the festivities, Archbishop Gizirian delivered a fiery endorsement of the graduate, of St. Nersess Seminary, and of the priestly vocation, drawing on the example of his own life. "Since I first entered the Seminary in 1940, God has blessed me with a wonderful life as a servant of our church," 'he roared, bringing the day to a close. VISIT OUR PHOTO GALLERY for more photographs of the occasion.